Survey lauds SUNY schools as top values

Published 12:00 am, Thursday, January 6, 2011

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher tells an Assembly panel that steps are needed to improve performance of high school students so they can succeed in college. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher tells an Assembly panel that steps are needed to improve performance of high school students so they can succeed in college. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Photo: Paul Buckowski

Survey lauds SUNY schools as top values

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New York's public universities are a great buy.

That probably won't come as news, but Kiplinger's Personal Finance named a whopping 11 State University of New York schools to its "Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges." New York had more public schools on the list than any other state.

Binghamton University was even singled out as a top value for out-of-state residents because of its academics. The University at Albany came in at number 73 on the list, which considered admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios, four- and six-year graduation rates, as well as cost and financial aid.

"What this ranking says is that SUNY is a bargain," Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said. "New Yorkers have an outstanding resource right in their backyard and national publications are recognizing that quality and unsurpassed value."

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Almost a fifth of the nation's high school graduates can't pass the examinations required for entrance in to the U.S. Army.

That's a disturbingly high number and a reflection on how well our students are being prepared for the next steps after high school, whether it be college, the armed services or the work force.

More than one in five young people do not meet the minimum standard required for Army enlistment, as measured by the Armed Forces Qualification Test. That means they do not have the math, reading, science and problem-solving skills necessary for enlistment in the Army, according to a study released last month by The Education Trust, a Washington, D.C.-based children's advocacy group.

The numbers were even worse for minority students. Twenty-nine percent of Hispanics were ineligible, as were 39 percent of black students.

"Too many of us, including educators, have comforted ourselves with the notion that kids who aren't ready for college can find a place in the armed services. These findings shatter that myth and strip away the illusion of opportunity available to under-prepared students," said Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust, in a statement. "Our economy, our democracy and our national security demand much more than our schools are delivering now. The question is when we will step up to ensure that all of our students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to be ready to take on any challenge they -- and the nation -- may face."

Got a higher education tip? Reach Scott Waldman at 454-5080 or by e-mail at swaldman@timesunion.com.